Abuja—The Niger Delta Rights and Accountability Forum has asked the Federal Government to obey the recent judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja which nullifed the sacking of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement signed by its Cordinator, Hon. Friday Wilberforce, the group said obeying the judgment would reinforce the high regard and respect the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has for the rule of law and the judiciary as a whole.
The group however stated that the negative consequence of wilfully disobeying the court’s judgment will be too much on the government, especially at a time it is winding down.
While praising the judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, the group noted that it is also in the best interest of the Federal Government not to go on Appeal, as that will send the wrong signal to Nigerians and the international community.
The statement read: “We call on the Federal Government to reinstate Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following the judgment of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“Any further delay will send a wrong signal and paint the government in bad light. As affirmed by the court, the sacking of Senator Ararume was done in bad fate. It was illegal and unlawful.
“President Buhari should direct the immediate reinstatement of Ararume and also warn the Attorney-General not to proceed on Appeal. The President should note that disobeying the judgment will place a moral burden on him as he leaves office. It will paint him in very bad light.
“Obeying the judgment is the only panacea to calm frayed nerves and show to the world that the Buhari’s administration abhors impunity”, the group added.
Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Inyang Ekwo said that Ararume’s removal was unconstitutional and as such, restored him as the Non- Executive Chairman of the national oil company with full benefits.
The judge also set aside every decision taken by the board that was appointed after Mr Ararume’s removal and equally awarded N5 billion as damages in his favour.
